Facsimile transmitter and receiver



Sept. 26, 1950 L. A. THOMPSON 2,523,400

FACSIMILE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Filed Oct. 1, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR.

140/! Tho/77,0500

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1O Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. 4 00/5 r4. 7&0/77 75 on Sept. 26, 1950 A.THOMPSON 2,523,400

FACSIMILE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Filed Oct. 1, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 8IN V EN TOR. L aw: /V. Tia/hp 50/1 P 1950 L. A. THOMPSON 2,523,400

FACSIMILE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Filed Oct. 1, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 9FIG. /5

INVENTOR. 1 00/54. 77/0/11 p50 Sept. 26, 1950 A. THOMPSON FACSIMILETRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Oct. 1, 1945 MMN NNNL

INVENTOR.

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Fatentecl Sept. 26, 1956 FACSIMILE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Louis A.Thompson, Rocky River, Ohio, assignor to NEA Service, Inc., Cleveland,Ohio, at corporation of Delaware Application October 1,1945, Serial No.619,451

6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for the transmissionof picturesby wire or radio, and more particularly to an improvedtransceiver for facsimile transmission.

In the transmission of pictures by wire or radio, the picture to betransmitted is usually secured to a drum, by wrapping the picture aroundthe drum, and the picture scanned in a helical path. The scanning ieffected by shining a beam of light upon the surface, which light isreflected into a photoelectric cell that produces a current, theamplitude of which depends upon the amount of light reflected. by thelight and dark areas of the picture. The current from the photoelectriccell therefore contains the intelligence which is picked up from thepicture and this current may be used to modulate a carrier wave which isthen transmitted to the desired point of reception. The receiverreceives the modulated carrier which is used to control the operation ofan exposure device that exposes a negative or a positive, the materialexposed also being secured to a similar drum, and the exposure likewisebeing in a helical path. I

The drum may rotate in a fixed position, and the scanning device travellongitudinally of the drum to provide the desired helical scanning, orthe drum may rotate and simultaneously travel longitudinally, thescanning device remaining in a fixed position.

The present invention has to do with an improved mechanical system wherethe drum rotates in a fixed position and the scanner moveslongitudinally thereof.

In an apparatus of the character about to be described, one of thegreatest problems is to provide means which will provide the properscanning or, as is commonly known, a scanning line which is not effectedby anything except the desired signal. It is particularly desirable toprovide a clean scanning line in the transmission of pictures which areused for reproduction in newspapers. Many things occur in such anapparatus which tend to effect the cleanness of a picture; among themore prominent troubles are those due to mechanical deficiencies of theapparatus. Slight irregularities in the drive for the drum may show upin the picture; the same is true of the lead screw which drives thescanner. Since these machines are often portable, and since theconstruction is somewhat delicate, it also becomes desirable to make themachine accessible for service thereon. Heretofore but little thoughtwas given to the service problems which occur in a highly complicateddevice, with the result that certain of the parts were relativelyinaccessible, and the replacement or repair thereof was a problem whichcould only be solved by one having had considerable training andexperience.

Furthermore, in the prior devices, it was common practice to provideseveral units which were used in conjunction with each other to providea complete transmission system.

By my present invention, I have made a combined transmitter and receiverfor pictures which is unitary in construction requiring substantiallyonly one piece of apparatus to effect the desired results.

The construction, further, is such that all of the electrical andmechanical parts are easily accessible for adjustment or service. The'mechanical portion of the machine may be removed as a unit, making thesame extremely accessible. The electrical circuit components are alsoremovable as separate units. It is thus possible to remove any one ofthe units and replace it with a spare unit with substantially the samecase that a tube is removed from a socket.

My present machine is also adapted to send or receive a picture, eitherof which may be effected in complete daylight. Among the otheradvantages present in the invention, which will become more apparent asthe description proceeds, is the improved means for supporting andmoving the scanning mechanism.

Still other advantages of the invention, and the invention itself, willbecome more apparent from the following description of the embodimentthereof, which description is illustrated by the accompanying drawingsand forms a part of this specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a complete machine embodying myinvention;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the mechanical apparatus removed fromits housing;

Fig-3a is a fragmentary section of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 3;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 with the film or paperholding drum shown in phantom; v

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Figs. 6 and 7 are elevational views taken from the left and right endsrespectively of Fig. 3;

Figs. 8 and 9 are sectional views taken from planes indicated by thelines 88 and 9-9 respectively of Fig. 3 and looking in the direction ofthe arrows; the drum being removed.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are side elevation, and elevation and top plan viewsrespectively of the scanning unit used in the apparatus of my invention;

Fig. 13 is an elevational view of the wedge block mechanism removed fromthe scanning housing;

Fig. 14 is a plan view thereof;

Fig. 15 is a section taken on the line 15-15 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a plan view of a film and drum box with the drum removed, andshowing the lid in a wide open position;

Fig. 1'? is an elevational view with the lid half open and showing thefilm drum in position; and

Fig. 18 is an enlarged section taken on the line l8-l8 of Fig. 16.

Preferably, my invention includes a housing having an inclined forwardpanel on which the operating controls and indicators are mounted. Themechanical assembly is supported in the top of the machine and in therear of the control panel. At the rear of the housing, each of theelectrical circuit components, such as picture amplifier, lamp supply,multi-vibrator, and power supply, are removably supported in drawerswhich can quickly and easily be removed from the cabinet.

Although the invention about to be described particularly adapts itselfto use in the apparatus shown, it will be appreciated that many of thecomponents are useful in other places than this particular combination;for instance, the manner of supporting the optical unit or scanning headis clearly adaptable to machines of the general type but specificallydifferent than the one illustrated.

Referring now to the drawings, throughout which like parts have beendesignated by like reference characters, the assembled machine is shownin Fig. l and includes a casing It provided with a sloping front panel II on which is mounted the various controls. The panel H may be hingedlysecured at its lower end to the front of the housing if desired, thusmaking the unit more accessible. Just to the rear of the front panel andseated in the top of the housing is the mechanical unit which is moreclearly illustrated L1 in Figs. 3, 4 and 5.

As shown in Fig. 2, the electrical component drawers 13 are disposed inthe rear of the housing being provided with handles I4 for removing thesame. tubes is provided at 52.

The unit is supported by engagement of the edges of the bed upon angularflanges- HH- at the top. of the housing and may be removed by removingthe plate 240, whichever is. heldintothe side of the housing by screws24L and by removing the studs 242 which extend through the flange 10.]into the edge of the bed. After the screws 24] and 242 are removed, theentire unit may be slid outward through the opening, left by the plate246. Access to the unit for minor adjustments may also be had by tiltingthe panel ll forward on its hinge.

' Referring to Figs. 3, et seq., wherein the mechanical unit is shownremoved from the casing, it will be seen to comprise a base or bed lwith the picture drum and its associated drive supported above the bedand the scanner head and its drive supported below the bed. The bed isof rectangular formation and is provided with a pair A ventilated coverand protector for the 4 of longitudinally extending ribs l6 which risefrom the bed adjacent the front and rear edges. The ribs strengthen andadd rigidity to the bed.

The drum is supported and rotatable on the base in much the same mannerthat a piece of work would b supported between live and dead centers ofa lathe.

The drum drive unit is disposed on the left end of the bed and includesa support bracket ll which is provided with a cylindrical housing 18 inwhich the drum drive motor i9 is secured. The bracket is secured to thebase by studs 20 which extend through the bracket and are threaded intothe base. The motor i9 is provided with a housing 2| coaxial with themotor shaft that protrudes from the left end of the motor as viewed inthe figures, which carries an adjusting thrust screw and lock nut 22 and23 that may be adjusted to absorb the end thrusts upon the motor.

The end of the motor shaft extends through the housing l8 and carriesthereon a drive clutch which includes a cylindrical body or hub 25secured to the motor shaft by a set screw 26. A pair of spaced parallelarms 21 extend from the body as can best be seen in Fig. 8. The armscarry housings 28 in which are disposed spring pressed plungers 29 thatextend toward and into engagement with each other when the drum isremoved (Fig. 8). The Weight of the arms 21 and its associated mechanismis counterbalanced by the weight 30 suspended from the body 25 by thearm 3!.

The hub or body 25 may be of insulating material and provided with acontact segment 32 which makes contact at a predetermined point in therevolution of the drum with a brush 33 carried in the boss 34 on thehousing IS. The center of the hub 25 is provided with a substantiallyconical live center 35 adapted to support the shaft of the drum, as willhereinafter more clearly appear.

The bracket I! is provided with a boss 36 in which is secured a filmboxlocator pin 31 adapted for engagement with the film box laterdescribed. The pin may be adjustable ifdesired to enable thelongitudinal position of the film box to be properly determined.

The apparatus thus described provides a resilient drive for the drum anda support for the end of the drum which also determines its longitudinalposition; and a means for determining the position of the film and drumbox when it is used for the reception of a picture. The other end of thebed l5-is provided with a bracket 40 which carries the supportfor thother end of the drum, the film and drum having a latchoperatingmechanism for opening the exposure window in the film and drumbox. The bracket is secured to the base byscrews 4| which extend throughthe bracket and are threaded into the base.

The bracket is. provided with a, cylindrical housing 43that has a smoothcylindrical bore in which a dead center, that includes a cylindricalbody 44, and. a pin 45 having a conical end 46 is disposed. Thecylindrical portion is disposed inthe bore, and'the pin 45 extends outthrough an opening in an end plate 4"! which is secured on the end ofthe housing by screws 48. The other end of the pin extends through thecylinder and out the opening in a cap 49 on the end of the. housing,which cap is secured thereon by screws 50. The pin 45 is thus supportedand guided in its movements by the body 44 which engages the interior ofthe housing, and by engagement of the pin 45 with the walls of theopenin in the caps 41 and 49. A helical sprin 5| is provided in thehousing between the body 44, and the cap 49, which holds the dead centerto the left is Viewed in Fig. 4. The body 44 is provided with a controlpin or handle 52 which extends radially from the body through a J-shaped slot 53 in the housing. This pin provides a convenient controlfor the dead center, enabling the operator to move the same to theright, as viewed in the figures, compressing the spring 5|. The pin 52is guided in its movement by the slot 53 and when moved into the toe 53'of the slot enables the dead center to be held in its retracted positionagainst the pressure of the spring 5|.

Directly below the housing 43 is a second housing 55 which issubstantially the same as just described. It also is provided with aspring pressed plunger comprising a body for engagement in the bore anda pin 56 which is guided by the walls of the openings in the end slots.It does not have an operating handle. This plunger cooperates with thefixed pin 31 to hold the film box in its proper position.

A third housing 60 for controlling the film box shutter operatingmechanism is provided at the lower forward end of the bracket 40 or to,the left as viewed in Fig. '7. This housing is likewise provided withend caps 6|-62, and a rod 63 is journalled in the caps. A ring 64 isrotatably journalled on the rod and guided by the bore in the housing,which ring is provided with an operating pin 65 extending through andguided by the J-shaped slot 66 in the housing.

The rod 63 is provided with a square portion 63 which is slidable in asquare opening in the cap 6|, thus permitting free longitudinal movementthereof but preventing rotation.

The ring abuts the shoulder formed at the junction of the square andround parts of the rod and may exert thrust to the rod to move the samelongitudinally.

As can best be seen in Fig. 4, the rod 63 extends longitudinally of thebase and is guided and supported by the spaced supports 61 and 68 on thebase l5. A helical spring 69 is disposed around the rod 63 with one endabutting the support 68 and the other end engaging the adjustable collarcarried on the rod. The spring 69 thus holds the rod 63 toward th rightas viewed in the figures, with the square portion exerting thrustagainst the ring 64.

The rod 63 is provided with a pair of pins 1| which extend downwardtoward the base and are engaged in the forks 12 of bell crank levers 13pivotally secured to the base at 14 and which are provided with film boxshutter opening forks I5 fOr cooperation with shutter operating pinshereinafter more fully described.

The picture drum comprises a cylindrical body 80, which may be of fiberor other material, provided with end bells 3| and 82 on the tail andhead ends respectively. Preferably, the end bells are separate from thedrum proper and are clamped to the drum by the spindle 83 (Fig. 4) whichis provided with a frustro-pyramidal collar 84 secured on the shaftengaging a complimentary opening in the center of the end bell 82, andthe other end of which is provided with an enlarged threaded portion 85with a nut 89 disposed thereon and in engagement with the outer surfaceof the end bell 8 I.

The spindle 83 extends beyond the ends of the drums and is provided withflanged collars 8t spaced from the end bells and adapted for cooperation with the film box to provide a light trap as will hereinaftermore clearly appear. The spindle 83 at the end bell 8| extends beyondthe collar 88, and the end is provided with a center bore adapted forengagement with the end 46 of the dead center.

The other end of the spindle at the end bell 82 extends beyond thecollar 88 and is provided with a center hole adapted for engagement inthe live center 35 of the hub 25. Secured to the spindle between thecollar 88 and the end is an L-shaped dog which includes the body portion9| having an arm 92 that is provided with a laterally extending knifeedge projection 93 adapted to be engaged between the members 29.

By this construction the drum may be quickly and easily placed inposition in the machine. When placing the drum in the machine, the deadcenter 46 is first retracted by sliding the operating handle 52 to theright in the slot 53, compressing the spring 5| and locked in itsretracted position by moving it downward into the toe 53 of the slot.The end of the spindle 83 is engaged with the center 35, the knife blade93 being engaged between the plungers 29, which it pushes apart. Theother end of the spindle 83 is then lined up with the tail stock or deadcenter 46 which is secured by moving the lever 52 out of the slot 53,and the spring 5| presses the dead center into its proper holdingposition for the end of the spindle. The drum is thus held between thelive and dead centers, and the drive is effected from the hub 25 throughthe arms 21 and the spring pressed plungers 29 to the knife blade 93 andthence to the spindle 83. The drum may be removed by moving the deadcenter to its latched position previously described and withdrawing theknife blade 93 and the spindle 83 from its connection with the drive.

The scanning mechanism scans the picture or exposes a picture on thedrum from below the bed through a slot I00 which extends longitudinallyof the bed directly below the drum.

Briefly, the scanning mechanism is supported as a unit below the bed ona pair of lead screws. The drum is provided with a pair of clamp bars|0| for holding the picture or light sensitive material which is to beexposed, which bars ex; tend longitudinally of the drum and comprise apair of leaves hingedly secured to the drum at I02 and held pressedagainst the surface of the drum by springs I03 disposed around the hingepin for the leaves. The ends of the leaves |0| may extend beyond the endbell 8| which is notched to allow their passage and provides aconvenient means for operating the same. The sheet of film or picture issecured to the drum by inserting one edge under one leaf II which israised to permit the insertion thereof and the material is then wrappedaround the drum and held by inserting the opposite edge under the otherleaf.

As previously mentioned, the scanning mechanism is disposed beneath thebed I 5; actually, the lead screws which drive the scanner also furnishthe support therefor. The lead screws in turn are driven by a motorthrough a suitable gearing.

As can best be seen from Figs. 3, 5, 6, and 8, there is provided abracket |95 which is suspended below the head of the bed I5, beingsecured thereto by screws |04. The bracket is provided with a generallycircular housing I06 which supports a synchronous motor I01 on the leftof the bracket as viewed in Fig. 3. The shaft of the motor extendsthrough the bracket and is provided with a small bevel drive gear I08 onits end, which bevel gear is in mesh with a second larger bevel gear I09carried by a countershaft III! journalled in bearings III carried byvertically extending spaced parallel ribs II2 on the right side of thehousing. The collar H3 and the hub of the gear II4, which are secured tothe shaft, determine the proper location thereof. The countershaft IIOalso carries a small spur gear H4 which is in mesh with a large spurgear II5 carried on a second countershaft I I5 journalled in bearingsII8 above the first countershaft. The collar H1 and the hub of the gearII5 determine the position of the shaft. The shaft IIS extends throughthe ribs H2 and carries bevel gears II9 on its opposite ends.

The bracket I05 is provided with a pair of bosses I2I on opposite sidesin which are adjustably disposed lead screw bearing pins I22. The leadscrew pins provide a journal for one end of each lead screw, the pinsbeing provided with a conical end I23 adapted to be seated in a centerbore in the lead screw.

The lead screws are of right and left hand pitch and are rotated inopposite directions by the gears H9. More specifically, as can bestbeseen in Fig. 5, the lead screws I25 and I26 each comprise a red, thelead screw I25 being provided with a right hand thread and I26 with aleft hand thread, which threads have the sides accurately ground. Theapex of the thread is ground off to provide a helical land I21 whichextends the length of the lead screw. This land is also accuratelyground to provide a smooth surface. The thread provides the means fordriving the scanner, and the land the means for supporting the scanner,as will hereinafter more clearly appear.

Each. lead. screw is provided with a threaded end I30 which receives thebevel gear I3l held on by the nut I32, which gear meshes with and isdriven by the gear H9.

The other end of the bed, tothe right, as viewed in Figs. 3 and 5, isprovided with a-downwardly extending bracket I33 having bosses I34 thatsupport centers I35 which engage in center bore in the lead screws. Thecenters comprise the spindle I35 which extends into the cylinder I34 andis provided with a head I36 slidably journalled in the cylinder andagainst which a. helical spring I31 bears, the other end of the: springengaging the end of the cylinder. These centers are limited in theirmovement by screws I38 which are locked in position by lock nuts. I39.

The centers are thus spring loaded and arelimited in their movement bythe screws l38 which are preferably adjusted toprovide a gap between theend of the screw and the head I39, but which gap is not large" enough toallow the: lead screw to be dropped out of its'bearings in event thethrust to the right is suflicient at any time to compress the springI31.

The lead screws are thus supported underspring loaded conditions betweencenters on opposite sides of the bed, under the bed, and in closelyspaced relation therefrom. They areadjustable longitudinally whereby themeshing of the gears II9-.-I3I which afford the driving connectionv maybe. properly effected to provide a.

smooth drive. It should be noted that the con? struction is such thatgears of different ratio, particularly the spur gears H4 and H5, may besubstituted if desired to effect a change in desired lead screw speed.In the \present instance, the total desired reduction is 20:1, but thiscan be varied to increase or decrease the ratio.

The scanning unit is illustrated apart from the other apparatus in Figs.10, l1 and 12. It comprises a housing I40, of generally square formationand is provided with a scanning head I4I, the objective of whichprojects upwardly through an opening I42 in the top plate I43 of thescanning unit, the unit being mounted flush with the surface of theplate. The supports for supporting the scanning head on the lands I21are best shown in Figs. 11 and 12 and comprise a pair of generally hookshaped brackets or V-blocks I45 extending outwardly from the top plateI43 on the opposite ends, th inner surface of which is provided withflat bearing surfaces I46 for tangential engagement with the surface ofthe lands. The two brackets are tied together by a bar I41. A thirdbracket, or L block I48, is provided on the opposite side being disposedsubstantially midway between the ends and having a fiat bearing surfaceI49 on its under side for tangential engagement with the land on theother lead screw. The bearing surfaces of the V and L blocks areaccurately machined and ground to provide a smooth running contact withthe lands of the lead screws, and preferably are of sufficient widththat they bridge at least two convoluti'ons of the lands.

The drive for the scanning unit is provided by a pair of wedge blockswhich extend from oppo site sides of the scanner and engage in thethreads of the lead screws. As shown in Fig. 12, the wedges areindicated at I5I and I52 respectively and extend laterally from oppositesides of the scanner through openings I53, the wedges being providedwith knife edges I54 and 55 respectively of the proper pitch and angleto engage with both sides of the lead screws.

The wedges are normally held in spring pressed engagement with the leadscrews but may be realesed from engagement therewith by pressingdownward on the knurled release button I56.

For a more detailed understanding of the operation of the wedges,reference is had to Figs.

l3, l4 and 15. The plate I43 is provided with a pair of spaced bracketsI disposed on the under side thereof adjacent opposite edges. Thebrackets ar of inverted L shape and may be secured to the under side ofthe plate I43 by screws IEi which extend through the plate I43 and arethreaded into the bracket I60.

Each of the wedges comprise an L-shaped body I02, the toe of which hasformed thereon the screw engaging surfaces I54- I55, and the body ofwhich is provided with a vertically extending slot I63 permitting thesame to be guided in its movement on the bracket by a screw I64, whichis threaded into the bracket and locked in place by a nut. The screw isprovided with a slidable collar having a base I65 engaged with the sideof the block I62 and held frictional against the block by the springwhich is disposed about the stem I66, the other end of the spring beingin engagement with the screw head. The block I68 is provided with an armI61 which extends from the upper edge of the block over to and ispivotally secured to the other bracket by a screw I68 which extendsthrough the bracket and is held by the nut and spring I69 and I10.

, The lower edge of the bracket is provided with a lug I1I securedthereon, which lug extends under the arms I61 and is provided with a pinI12 on which a spring I13 is seated, the other end being in engagementwith the arm I61.

The other bracket and its supported wedge are constructed and supportedin a like manner, except that it faces in the opposite direction, andthe two arms I61 which extend across between the blocks being juxtaposedto each other.

The springs I13 hold the blocks in their upward position wherein thesurfaces I II55 engage with their respective screw threads. Release ofthe blocks from engagement with the screw threads is efiectedsimultaneously by pressing the plunger I56 downward, the plunger beingslidably journalled in a bushing I14 and pro Vided with a foot I15 whichrests on top of both of the arms I61. Downward pressure of the plungercauses the arms I61 to pivot downward about the pivots I68, and thesprings I13 are compressed withdrawing the wedges from the lead screwsand allowing th scanner to be slid freely on the lands of the leadscrews. When the plunger is released, the blocks are forced upward, andthe edges I54I55 engage with and are guided by the threads II26 on thelead screws. If desired, an additional spring may be disposed under therelease button I56 normally holding said button in its uppermostposition. Movement of the scanner on the lead screws is limited in itsmovement toward the head of the machine by the adjustable stop I80carried in a bracket I8! on the bottom of the bed,.and in its movementtoward the tail of the machine by the lock nuts I82 on the screw I83carried by the scanner and which is adapted to pass through an openingon the end bracket I33. Thus the limits of movement of the scanner maybe adjustably determined.

The scanner is thus suspended from the V and L blocks which ride on thelands of the lead screws and the scanning mechanism, the objective ofwhich views or exposes the picture through the slot I00 in the bed I 5.The lead screws being revolved in opposite directions and the wedgeblocks being in engagement with the lead screw, the scanner is moved atthe desired rate of speed from one end of the bed to the other.

The device, as before mentioned, is adapted to send or receive picturesin the daylight or in a lighted room. Obviously, when receivingpictures, the material used is light sensitive, and, hence, provision ismade to allow the exposure of the light sensitive material and toprevent unwanted light from reaching the film. This includes, generally,a film box which may (then) be loaded in a dark room and (which may)then (be) taken into a lighted room and secured in position in themachine. The drum is arranged to float freely in the film box when thefilm box is in position on the bed and the drum engaged between center,suitable light traps being provided to prevent light from gaining accessthereto.

Fig. 16 is a top plan view of the film box with the drum removed, Fig.17 is an elevational view with the drum in position, and Fig. 18 is asectional view through the lower part of the film box.

The lower portion I84 of the film box is of generally rectangularformation and is provided with plates I 85 secured to the ends of thebox by screws I86. The plates have recesses in which the locator pins 31and 56 may be engaged when the box is placed in position on the bed I5,to properly determine the position of the box on the bed.

The bottom of the box is formed with spaced parallel walls havingopenings therethrough, through which the film maybe exposed; a shutteris provided to close the openings and prevent light from leaking in whenthe box is removed from the bed. The bottom of the box is provided withthe inside bottom wall formed intwo parts ifil and I88, thepart I88being removable and held in place by screws I89. This part beingprovided with a longitudinally extending slot I90. A second bottom wallis provided at I9I which is spaced from the false bottom to provide ashutter containing chamber I92. The chamber I92 extends from the forwardside of the box past the opening I9J and I94, and the remainder of thespace between the two walls is provided with a slot I9 2 that is largerin all dimensions than the slot I90; the mid portions of the slots,however, being in alignment with each other.

The shutter slide I is slidably disposed in the chamber I92 adapted toclose the openings ItiiI 94'; in the drawings, the slide is shown halfway closed, although in practice, it would automatically be closed whenthe box is removed from the bed. When completely closed, it extends overboth slots into engagement with the filler between the bottoms I81-I9Iand into the space between the false and bottom wall adjacent theopening.

In Fig. l, the film box is shown in position with the cover open. Inthis case, the drum is revolved to a position where the clamp bars maybe seen. In Fig. 2, which is a rear view of the machine, the film box isshown closed as it would be when loaded with unexposed film. f

The shutter is formed of a flat strip of metal being provided with pinsI96 at the ends which extend upward through slots I91 in the removablebottom part I88. Connected between these pins and pins I98, secured tothe bottom I81, are springs I99 which normally urge the slide to aclosed position.

The slide is opened and closed by the forks 15 on the bell crank lever13 under control of the hand lever 65 (Fig. 4). In carrying out thisaspect of the invention, the sides'of the box project downward below thebottom to leave a space under the bottom. A rubber gasket 290 is securedto the bottom, being provided with an opening 29I in register with theopenings I90 and I94. This gasket is ground off substantially fiush withthe bottom edges of the sides of the box and-is adapted to engage withthe upper surface of the bed and provide a light tight seal therewith.The ribs I6 also help to shield the connection against direct light. Thebottom of the box is provided with a pair of slots 203 through whichpins 204, carried by the slide extend. The pins are adapted to beengaged by the forks 15. I

Directly adjacent the forward edge of the box, a pocket or channel 295is formed which provides clearance space for the slide operating rod 93and its supports. 7

Prior to the time of placing the film box on the bed, the slide controlrod 93 is in the normal position shown in Fig. 4 where the rod is urgedto the right by the spring 69, and the forks 15 are in their inwardposition. When the box is seated on the bed, the pins 204 enter theslots 15 of the bell cranks 13. At this time, the slide or shutter isclosed. After the film box is properly seated and engaged between thelocating pins 31 and 56, the shutter may be opened by moving the lever11 G to the left .as viewed in Fig. 4 and locked open during receptionby moving it downwardly into the toe of the slot. To close the shutter,it is merely necessary to release the lever 65.

The cover 2l0, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is curved to conform to thecylindrical drum and is secured to the upper edge of the face by a pianohinge 2| l.

The end walls of the bottom portion of the box are formed with doubleWalls adjacent their upper edge which cooperate with the members 88 .onthe drum spindle to provide a light trap which prevents light fromentering into the film box around the spindle and fogging the pictureduring picture reception.

In this respect, there is provided the outer wall M5 and an inner wall 2I 6 spaced therefrom, which inner wall extends downward to a pointspaced from the bottom as indicated at 2!! and is bent over and securedto the outer wall (Fig. 18). The outer wall is provided with an inwardlyextending flange 218 which extends inwardly but stops in spaced relationto the inner wall to provide a gap therebetween which extends around thethree sides. The outer wall is provided with .a notch 220 semi-circularin form and large enough to provide clearance space for the drum spindle63 beyond the flange member 88. The inner wall is provided with a semicircular notch 22! sufiiciently large to provide clearance space for thedrum flange 88. The cover is formed in a like manner except that theflange 222, which corresponds to the flange 218, extends over and meetswith the inner wall. The portion of 2H! adjacent the notches 220-221 isremoved to provide clearance space for the member 88 and its peripheralflange 88'. The cover is provided with .a flange 225 on three sides,which extends beyond the outer wall and the inturned flange 222, and.which is adapted to enter into the slot 226 formed by the gap betweenthe flange 2 l8 and the inner wall 2 I 6 when the cover is closed. Theflange 222 on the cover is also provided with an openin or notch 22'! inwhich the locks 228 may engage. The locks 228 may comprise latches orhooks which are mounted on rods 229 that extend through the front of thebox and are provided with operating buttons 230. The rods are held intheir forward position by springs 23!. It will be apparent that thelight trap feature just mentioned may take other specific forms thanthat shown and that the same .is true of the locks for locking the boxclosed.

.In operation, when it is desired to transmit a picture, the wedgereleasing button 156 is depressed to release the wedges from the leadscrews .and the scanner is slid to the right until the stop nut 182engages with the bracket 133. In this position, the apparatus isordinarily adjusted so that the scanner scans the alternate black andwhite squares 235 which provide signalsof maximum and minimum intensityto allow the adjustment of the receiver gain at the receiving end. Thedrum, with the picture attached, may besecured in position by moving thelever 52 to the left and lookin it. This moves the dead center to theright and out of the way. Next, the drum is lowered to position wherethe end of the spindle .53 is aligned with the live center on the hub.25. The drum is then moved to the left, and the end and the blade 93respectively are simultaneously inserted in the opening 35 and betweenthe plungers 29. The-other-end of the drum spindle is then lined up withthe tail stock, and the lever 52 is released to cause the dead center to12 engage in the center hole in the end of the spindle 83.

The drum is now in position where the motor ll, when energized, mayrotate it in the manner described.

The motors l9 and I01 are energized from a source of power ofpredetermined frequency, and the drum and lead screws are simultaneouslyrotated. The scanning unit is supported on the rotating lands, and thewedge block being engaged in the screw thread. The scanner is moved tothe left at a predetermined speed, scanning the picture on the drum in ahelical path. Preferably, the pencil of light which falls on the pictureis of such a size and is so proportioned relative to the rotation of thedrum and the movement of the scanner that there is substantially nooverlap.

At this point, it is pointed out that the struature lends itself ideallyto the handling of pictures with different degrees of fidelity. In otherwords, the structure is such that either the lead screws or the gear orboth may be changed, as well .as the size of the light beam from thescanner, and the machine can thus be adapted to scan either 100 or 300lines per inch to provide medium or extremely high fidelity pictures. Itshould be understood, however, that the foregoing is only by way of anexample, and that the number of lines per inch may be varied as desiredby the changes mentioned.

It will also be apparent that the moving parts, the operation of whichhas a direct bearing upon the fidelity obtained in the picture, lendthemselves to a construction where great accuracy may be maintained in arelatively simple manner. It should be noted particularly that ball,needle, or roller bearings have been eliminated. This thus eliminatesthe necessity of extremely expensive bearings and with the concomitantirregularities which have a tendency to disturb the fidelity of thescanning line. Further, with the elimination of the bearings, thestructure is such that the friction is'reduced because of the manner inwhich the parts are operated. This is particularly true of the scannersince the actual bed on which the scanner slides comprises the rotatinglands. Since these lands are rotating, and are ground very accurately,they provide a smooth travel for the scanner. The wedge blocks onlyserve to move the scanner and because the lead screw may also be groundwith a high degree of accuracy, this also tends to increase the over allaccuracy of operation and hence provides a high fidelity .to thepictures.

When it is desired to receive a picture, the light sensitive material isfirst mounted on the drum, and the drum placed in position in the lightbox, which is then looked. This obviously takes place in ,a dark room orother suitable place where the operation may be effected without foggingthe film.

The loaded film box may then be taken out into the daylight and placedin position on the machine. In performing this operation, the tail stockis locked in its released position, moving the dead center out of theway. The shutter operating lever is released to the position shown inFig. 4. The film box is then placed on the bed with the right endagainst the spring plunger .56, which being spring pressed, may be movedto the right by vmoving the film box to the right. The left end of thefilm box is then lowered and moved .to the left, the .plate l on thefilm box engaging with the locator pin 31; simultaneously, the spindle83 and the blade 93 are guided into proper engagement as previouslydescribed. Next, the tail stock is released which allows the dead centerto engage the drum spindle. Previously, the scanner had been moved tothe proper position. When it isdesired to receive, the shutter is openedby the lever 65.

After the picture is received, the film box and drum are removed bysimply reversing the above described process, after which it may betaken to the dark room and developed.

It will be noted that the controls for opening the shutter in the filmbox being separable from the shutter in the film box prevents accidentalopening of the film box while it is off of the machine. Furthermore, inevent the operator should fail to close the shutter after receiving apicture and before removing the film box, the actual removal of the filmbox wherein the pins 204 disengage from the fork 15, automaticallyreleases the shuther which is then snapped to a closed position by thesprings I99.

The structure, therefore, provides a quick manner for loading the drum.It also provides for carrying out most of the operating in a light placerather than the dark room. Nearly continuous reception of pictures maybe had by having a supply of loaded film boxes on hand.

As previously stated, the structure also lends itself to the solution ofservice problems when they occur. The mechanical assembly is removableas a unit by remov ng the plate 240 at the end of the cabinet and siding the assembly out of the cabinet, after which all of the parts areaccessible for adjustment or repair. The electrical components are evenmore expediently removed by simply pulling out the drawer which housesthat particular component in whichever trouble develops. This lendsitself to quick service in the field by substituting of components whichare known to be functioning properly and thus eliminating laying up acomplete machine for repairs.

Access to the back of the panel H may be had by simply moving the u peredge of the panel forward on its hinge. This also allows access to theunderside of the mechanical assembly if desired. ""7,

Having thus described my invention, I am aware that numerous andextensive departures may be made therefrom without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention as defined in the ap ended claims.

I claim:

1. A facsimile transmitter and receiver including a bed. a pair ofsupports on said bed. and a drum rotatably carried between centers insaid supports, means for rotating said drum, a pair of lead screwsrotatably carried by said bed below the bed, each lead screw comprisinga smooth cylindrical surface and a sp ral lead groove formed in saidsurface, said lead grooves being of opposite itch and means to rotatesaid lead screws in opposite directions, said drum adapted to carry apicture to be transmitted or a material to receive a picture, scann ngmeans for scanning said picture or placing a picture on said materialincluding an optical unit, arms on said optical unit disposed inengagement with the cylindrical surface on said lead screws, saidoptical unit being suspended from said lead screws, and means carried bysaid optical unit for engagement with said grooves and operable uponrotation of the lead screws to move the optical unit longitudinally ofsaid bed.

A facsimile transmitter and receiver includ 14 ing a bed, a pair ofsupports on said bed, and a drum rotatably carried between centers insaid supports, means for rotating said drum, a pair of lead screwsrotatabl carried by said bed below the bed, each lead screw comprising asmooth cylindrical surface and aspiral lead groove formed in saidsurface, said lead grooves being of opposite pitch and means to rotatesaid lead Screws in opposite directions, said drum adapted to carry apicture to be transmitted or a material to receive a picture, scanningmeans for scanning said picture or placing a picture on said materialincluding an optical unit, arms on said optical unit disposed inengagement with the cylindrical surface on said lead screws, saidoptical unit being suspended below said bed, and means carried by saidoptical unit for engagement with said grooves and operable upon rotationof the lead screws to move the optical unit longitudinally of said bed,said bed being formed with a longitudinally extending opening oppositesaid drum and said optical unit adapted to scan or expose said picturethrough said opening.

3. A facsimile transmitter and receiver comprising a bed, a pair ofsupports carried by said bed at the ends thereof, a drum for holding apicture or a material to receive a picture rotatably journalled betweencenters on said supports, at least one of said centers being movable forquick release and removal of said drums, means to rotate said drums,means for scanning said picture or for placing a picture on saidmaterial including an optical unit, a pair of members rotatablyjournalled on said bed and each having a smooth cylindrical surfaceinterrupted by a lead groove, said lead grooves being of opposite pitchand means for rotating said lead screws in opposite directions, saidoptical unit having a pair of V blocks extending from one side and an Lblock extending from the opposite side, said V and L blocks beingprovided with smooth flat surfaces for tangential engagement with saidsmooth surfaces on said lead screws and said optical unit beingsupported by said blocks On said lead screws, a movable wedge blockcarried by said optical unit and movable into and out of engagement withthe walls of said grooves in said lead screws, said bed being formedwith a longi-- tudinally extending opening and said optical unit havingmeans to scan or expose pictures on said drum through said opening.

4. A facsimile receiver and transmitter including a bed, supports onsaid bed at opposite ends thereof, centers carried b said supports incoaxial alignment with each other, a drum for holding a picture or amaterial adapted to receive a picture rotatably carried by said centers,said bed being formed with a longitudinally extending opening below saiddrum, means for scanning a picture on said drum or placing a picture onsaid material including a pair of members rotatably supported below saidbed in spaced parallel relation to each other and to said drum, each ofsaid members comprising a smooth cylindrical surface and a lead grooveinterrupting said surface, said lead grooves extending helicallylengthwise of said member and being of right and left hand pitchrespectively, an optical unit having portions for sliding engagement onsaid smooth cylindrical surfaces, said portions having smooth flat seatsurfaces for tangential engagement with said cylindrical surfaces and ofsuflicient width to bridge at least one convolution of said groove andsuspended from said member below said opening in said bed, and meanscarried by said optical unit 15 adapted for driven engagement in saidgrooves, said optical unit adapted to operate on said picture throughsaid opening in said bed.

5. A facsimile transmitter and receiver including a housing, a panel onthe front of the housing hingedly connected thereto, said housing formedto provide a support on its upper end, a frame removably secured in saidsupport and comprising a bed, a drum for holding a picture or a filmrotatably supported above the bed, an optical unit movably supportedbelow the bed for scanning pictures from below the bed, said housingbeing provided with removable drawers at the rear thereof, said drawerscontaining some of the electrical component for the transmitter andreceiver and quickly removable therefrom.

6. A facsimile machine including a frame, a rotatable cylinder supportedon said frame adapted to support a picture or a film, means to rotatesaid cylinder connected thereto, a scanning unit for scanning orexposing a picture on said drum, means to wholly support and move saidscanning unit longitudinally of said drum comprising a pair of membersdisposed in spaced parallel relation to each other and to longitudinalaxis of the drum carried by said frame, said members hav- 16 ing asmooth cylindrical surface and screw means formed below said surface,said scanning unit having means for tangential engagement with saidcylindrical surface and means for engagement with said screw means,drive means for said members including a reduction gearing havingremovable and replaceable gears and a motor connected to said members bsaid gearing, said members being removable from said frame and springmeans for holding said members in spring loaded condition on said frame.

LOUIS A. THOMPSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,105,906 Hess Aug. 4, 19142,120,989 Pfannenstieh-l June 21, 1938 2,158,391 Wise May 16, 19392,164,038 McFarlane June 27, 1939 2,182,115 Carlson Dec. 5, 1939,185,139 Wurzburg Dec. 26, 1939

